In 2023, Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was discovered in Marshall and Lyon County. There are now 53 counties in the state of Minnesota with known EAB infestations.

EAB is an insect that attacks and kills ash trees. It is spread through short distance natural flight and infested firewood transported long distance. The adults are small, iridescent green beetles that live outside of trees during the summer months. The larvae are grub or worm-like and live underneath the bark of ash trees. Trees are killed by the tunneling of the larvae under the tree’s bark. 

The Minnesota Department of Ag (MDA) issues quarantines for all areas known to have EAB to reduce the risk of further spreading the tree-killing insect by discouraging the movement of firewood and ash material into Minnesota and out of infested counties.

The city has been active in reducing the spread of EAB by partnering with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) to help educate residents about EAB as well as initiating a tree rebate program.

The Ash Tree Removal and Replacement Reimbursement Program will provide single-family homeowners in Marshall with financial assistance to defray costs associated with the removal of potential Emerald Ash Borer infested Ash trees on their private property and the planting of replacement trees.

The Program will be available beginning on Oct. 1st to qualifying Marshall homeowners on a first-come first-served basis while Program funds are available.

The tree rebate program is as follows:

Tree Removals A reimbursement up to or equal to $200 of the total purchase price per tree removal will be paid upon meeting the guidelines. Limit of two tree removals per property. The homeowner is responsible for the remaining cost. The Program can only be used to remove Ash trees–any non-Ash removals done in conjunction with a larger project on private property must be invoiced separately or itemized on the invoice to be deemed eligible. Tree removal and stump grinding must be done by a licensed contractor. Any tree removals must be completed between November 1st to May 1st each season to quality. Prior to disbursing the rebate, staff will complete an inspection and confirm that the tree was removed at the stated address.

Tree Replacement A reimbursement up to or equal to $100 of the total purchase price per new tree will be paid upon meeting the guidelines set out below. Limit of four trees per property. The homeowner is responsible for the remaining cost. The tree(s) planted must be from the Approved Tree Species list and the purchaser must present a paid sales receipt stating the type(species) and cost of the tree(s) to the Community Services Department at 344 West Main Street. If the business does not have the ability to print the tree species information on the receipt, the city will accept a written statement from the business identifying the tree species that was purchased.

Please include this statement with your paid receipt. Upon presenting the paid sales receipt, the purchaser will be required to sign a certification stating that the tree has been planted in accordance with the Tree Planting Guidelines. Prior to disbursing the reimbursement, staff will complete an inspection and confirm that the tree was planted at the stated address. The parks and recreation superintendent, or designee, reserves the right to review alternate tree species and tree sizes for consideration if deemed necessary.

Please contact the city at 507-537-6786 for more information about EAB or the tree rebate program. For more information on Emerald Ash Borer, please visit:

https://extension.umn.edu/tree-and-shrub-insects/ emerald-ash-borer

— Sharon Hanson is the city administrator for the city of Marshall